Guild Wars 2

Scoreboard updated. Please check the OP. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite builds.

Natsu Dragneel.1625:

@Dietzen, and everyone else who may be wondering,

I’m fairly sure you may vote for as many of the builds as you like, so if you happened to like 2 or 3 of them, you can give a +1 vote for each.

Just want to reiterate this. You can vote for many builds as you like, but you can only have 1 vote for each build.

My thanks to people who keep supporting this event and keep voting.

@ skcamow: I’m with Pyro, your withdrawal is quite understandable due to the time constraints. Will gladly to see your improved version in the next month contest.

This idea came to me when I was doing Tequatl, and without any level of organisation in the zerg, the death count just went off the charts.

I think when reviving someone or NPCs in combat, you should get a small amount (something like 50) of karma (it makes sense with the definition of karma). This will:
- encourage people to try out hard contents
- act as additional reward in large scale word events where deaths are inevitable.
- promote the daring and caring spirit in the player community.

It should only work in-combat to prevent farming exploit.

What do u guys think? Please discuss.

Shameless bump because want more people to vote.
Come on guys, the more the merrier.

Thanks Natsu for the thread to spread the information.

Hi guys, just a quick update.

Today marks the end of Stage 1, please check the Scoreboard in OP to see the final results for Stage 1.

@ skcamow: While your build is deemed non-viable by the ORB, it has a net positive score thus the build can carry on to Stage 2.

Now that Stage 2 commences. Just a couple of reminders:

@ Participants: please make arrangements with the ORB as early as possible to know about the tests so that you have time to prepare for them. Tests can be carrried out at any time during this stage, whenever is suitable for both the participants and the ORB. Also, since now the build cannot be changed/modified any further. The idea of this stage is that you spend time honing your skills to put the build into real action so that the ORB can judge on the performance. Oh, and don’t forget about the popularity campaigning, every single vote helps.

Note that the test results will not be posted publicly in this thread until the last day.

@ ORB: each member should come up with a different test for each build (must be relevant to what the build is designed to do). I’ll leave it up to your imagination on how to set up and conduct the tests.

@ Crowd: no downvote from now on, but nothing stops you from voting for your favorite builds.

My special thanks to Pyroatheist and the ORB in general, for providing feedback and evaluation of the builds in both timely and professional manners.

Ross Biddle.2367:

“Daze is an effect caused by some skills which interrupts and prevents the target from using skills for a period of time. NPCs who became dazed are forced to remain still for its duration. "
Just one example

NPCs stay still when get dazed because they still try to figure out what the hell just happened, just like me back then when i was a noob player lol

Divinity.8041:

When I hit pistol #5 or sig of dom, they get stunned and do not move.

When people are dazed, they can still move, what exactly does the effect do?

I see these interrupt builds starting to gain popularity, but what exactly does the daze do, how does it shutdown an opponent? Does it make them not able to use skills for x duration?

Basically, Dazed = unable to use any skill for the daze duration.
As a mesmer, like Alissah said, we have access to a lot of daze skills and traits to make our dazes really powerful.

Daze is a control effect which means you can interrupt enemies with it.
Confounding Suggestions trait has chance to turn daze to stun
Chaotic Interruption trait applies immobilization condition with interrupt, so that if you daze the enemy, enemy gets both daze + immobilize = stun.

skcamow.3527:

@keenlam, has a deadline been set for the ORB to approve/disapprove build viability? I’m wondering how much time a build team has to post the final tested/refined build between the submission deadline and ORB decision.

Hi guys, just a quick reminder tomorrow (17/09/2013) will be the end of Stage 1.
Therefore:

@As participants you need to finalize your build and get it approved by the ORB as soon as you can.

@The ORB: when you evaluate the build for its viability, don’t forget to check the differences the build has gone through since it’s first submitted and make sure it’s the same build. Also, ensure the build will not change any further in Stage 2.

@The Crowd: I haven’t seen any downvote but still just want to remind you that starting from tomorrow, downvotes will not count anymore.

Again, thanks all for your interest and support to keep this event going.

Xyonon.3987:

Nretep.2564:

keenlam.4753:

Advent, i’m with you about the Elite. Who wouldn’t kill for an elite like this

Well, to sum the video up: A shield that makes you invulnerable to projectiles.

Compared to feedback: A shield that makes you invulnerable to projectiles and makes them attack their owners instead.

+ the enemies attack and move also slow – chilled.

Image: 10 seconds chill, weakness (?), projectile absorbation.

Thanks Xyonon for clarifying. The field slows EVERYTHING the enemies do.

Lol, let me get this right.
So with the trait, you potentially decrease your own dmg ouput?

@Menaka:
i think inactive means “under a control effect” too. But 5% is really underwhelming for a grandmaster minor. Sigil of Impact alone gives 10% to stunned or knocked down foes. /sad face

Hi Phloww, glad that you enjoy the build.
Just some comments:
- This build is not a shatter build, you only shatter when you really need some burst (F1, F2), interrupt (F3), or F4 as last resort to save yourself. Most of the time you will let phantasms stick around and ensure the clones get killed or replaced as fast as possible.

- I haven’t tried to go hybrid but my full condition version works well with any OH from my experience, although it requires some adjustment to the playstyle.
+Pistol: CC heavy with solid stun, good for stacking bleed and confusion through our combo field
+Focus: you lose a solid stun but iWarden can stack bleeds like crazy if you can lock the target in place with Temporal Curtain and Signet of Domination. Good for area denial too. AoE confusion bolts is also a bonus, but I don’t rely heavily on that.
+Sword: it might look like an odd choice at first, but it works fairly well, more clone production with the block and both the block and the phantasm provide good sustained dmg to keep up the pressure. This choice of OH plays a bit more defensively and more about counterplay than the other two OHs.
+Torch: tbh I haven’t tried it, but the burn can be great with high condition damage.

I think i will wait until the Oct 15th patch so see if there is any major change and then will update this build thread accordingly to keep it updated with the meta.

Anyway, please let me know how you go with your hybrid version and share with us

Advent, i’m with you about the Elite. Who wouldn’t kill for an elite like this

Hi guys,

Just some updates:

- Build registration is now closed. In the end, we have 4 builds entering this month contest and competing for the Build of the Month Award.

- The scoreboard results have been updated and the scoreboard and news sections have been moved to the first post for better viewing (as suggested by Xaylin). The old Scoreboard section is now replaced with Build Registration Info so that you guys know about the participating teams.

- The ORB have been working diligently and have approved the viability of Blackwater and Evasive Signet builds (thus these 2 builds have been awarded with +10pts each). The other 2 builds are still being evaluated.

@ Warlord: your 0.9 vote is registed as an +1 upvote build for Blackwater build unless you restate your opinion and want to withdraw your vote.

@ Menace: your build has not been registered because you didn’t comply with the rules regarding to having a tester partner agreement. Just a friendly reminder for your next time, please arrange in-game with a tester so that BOTH you and your tester will WORK towards your build. It is important that both members of the team are well-informed about the contest.

Again, big thanks to all already cast your votes. To those who haven’t, feel free to browse through the four builds and let us know what you think.
Happy voting guys.

Can mesmers Veil skill apply revealed to enemy crossing it as well?

Just bumping this thread up to page 1 so people are aware of the contest and the voting process.

Alright, I must confess that I’m a very BAD player. I suck at flipping on TP (always lost money in the process) and I’m sure Trading Post and flipping to get gold is the main focus of the game. Nothing else matters.
/sarcasm

All 4 builds have been reviewed and approved for originality. Keep on voting guys.

@ Menace: could you please provide the tester account name so that I can double check. Character name is hard for me to verify.

Scoreboard updated. Thanks all for voting.

@ Remmant and others who has the same perception about voting:

If you’re a part of the Crowd, you can vote regardless of your rank. As long as you can provide a logically sound reason, your vote will count. You don’t have to prove that you have spent time playing and testing out that build at all.

I give some examples:
A build is usually based on a central idea, if you like the idea you can upvote.
Originators usually showcase the build with a build editor where you can have a look through the resulting stats, weapon choice, trait choice, etc. and form your opinion on the build and vote for or against it.

And that’s why these votes are called popularity votes.

Hi guys,

As I am aware that people are having difficulties finding testers to join the contest, I gladly extend the deadline to Sunday 15th Sept. However, please be advised that Stage 1 still ends on patch day (17th Sept) which means if you submit your build just in time for deadline, you have only around 2 days to refine and finalize your build for stage 2.

Some quick tips:
- please check the guild member list for anyone with Tester rank (someone with swirling symbol iirc) and pm them to ask for their cooperation.
- also, if you want to help out your friend, you can ask any member with Teacher rank to change your rank to Tester rank so you can group up for the contest.

@ Chaos: there are some builds still currently under review for originality (Sensotix’s BI build and skcamow’s Chillruption build). Can you discuss with Pyro and Fay to review them and get back to me promptly? Thanks, Chaos.

My guess is that you’re attuned to fight at mid to close range. At this range, staff can easily out-dps greatsword with might stacking from autoattack bounces.

@ skcamow: your build has been registered and is now under review for originality.

@ Alissah: thanks, you’re the best =). Your upvote to Sensotix’s BI build has been put on hold because the build is still under review for originality. Your upvote to Blackwater build, on the other hand, has been recorded.

@Nevhie: your words were ambiguous. Thanks for clearing that up.

Nevhie.6079:

GreatSword=
+ All GS SKills can;t be blocked

Only skill #2 cannot be blocked.

Hi OP
Here’s my personal experience with staff and greatsword and hope it clarifies all your concerns.

Greatsword: straightforward to use, great dmg, but only good for power builds.

Staff: requires a bit set-up and ramp-up time to achieve peak dmg (I’ll explain later).
However, when it comes to versatility and support, Staff wins over Greatsword by a long shot. Staff is also good in BOTH power and condition builds, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

Staff autoattack bounces provide you and/or your team with boons (might and fury), and inflict dmg conditions (good for condition builds) and debuff conditions (good for power builds).

Using staff, you can easily have 5 conditions consistently on your enemy, if you run a power build, that’s around 50% dmg boost to your iWarlock (not counting the vulnerability stack). On condition build, all the staff skills provide you enough protection to outlast your opponent as they die from your conditions.

Hi guys,
Deadline tomorrow: Just a quick reminder that tomorrow will be the last day to submit your build for this month contest.

Also, so far this thread has received zero votes on the participating builds, which is a bit disappointing. There are currently 100+ members in the guild atm, so the Crowd should have no less than 90 people.

May I ask for your precious little time to have a look through the builds and cast your vote on them?
Thanks guys.

Gummiplutt.7493:

Well, I don’t see why I shouldn’t offer my build as well in this competition!

https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/forum/professions/mesmer/BUILD-Manipulative-Minx/first#post2801183

@ Gummiplutt: hi there, do you have a testing partner? You need someone with a tester rank in the guild pairing up with you to enter the contest.

May I kindly suggest you read and familiarize yourself with all the rules and information posted on page 1 then repost to let me know when you’re ready?

Cheers

@OP:
Try this build: http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fgAQNArdWlwzKqHVzqGa9IhJFB33nUw8lj6x1te1B-jECBoOCi0CgkIBKTqIaslhFRjV3ATxiIq2roIa1SBAz0I-w

I used this for Scarlet invasion tagfest back then. (Full Apocathery instead of Dire, but Dire is way much better)
It’s basically a full support, super tank build. On its own it has sub-par dmg, but it shines when you have the team to kill for you. Blind + Confusion will basically shut down the enemy zerg, giving your zerg the advantage.
Blind negates single-hit burst attacks while Confusion punishes multi-hit attacks (and get you lootbags with your AoE glamours). If you get focused, stealth away.

You can let your clones die to inflict conditions, or shatter them for nice burst dmg.

OFFICIAL COMMENCEMENT OF SEPTEMBER’S BOTM CONTEST

Hi guys,
With great excitement, I’d like to announce the official commencement of this month’s BoTM contest.

This event has so far received a great deal of interest and I’ve received a lot of good feedbacks from you guys. Now that we have everything in order, lets get the party started.

There are currently 3 builds registered for the contest, each is unique in its own rights.
I’m sure there will be more coming, just make sure you submit the build before the closing date (next Tuesday, 10/9). Note that we can be flexible with the deadline, but please don’t be too late.

To every one takes part in this event, please familiarize yourselves with the rules and information posted at the start of the thread on first page. I will try to update the Scoreboard section on a regular basis.

@ Participants:
- Please submit your build here.
- Please engage with the ORB in-game as soon as you can to facilitate the grading and testing of your build later on.
- Please compete in the spirit of fairplay.
Good luck to all of our contestants.

@ Voters (the Crowd):
- You can check out the participating builds listed in the Scoreboard section (first page)
- If you like a build, post and cast your vote here in this thread.
- If you don’t like a build, you can cast a downvote as well but please be respectful to the participating team. They work hard to bring forward good ideas for the community and that alone should be appreciated.
Happy voting guys.

This is the first time we run this event, its inevitably we will have some hiccups along the way, but I’m hopeful that we’ll all work together to make it successful. Thanks all for your great contribution and cooperation.

(phase retreat to exit stage /mesmerstyle)

jportell.2197:

Keenlam. Put in the clone spammer build. By far one of if not the best mesmer condi build.

@ jportell: Thanks, I’m flattered. As I’m running this event, i should probably sit this one out to prevent any conflict of interest. Maybe next month, when someone else could take up my mantle

Advent.6193:

You lot are beginning to tempt me … and I’m usually a secretive mofo.

@ Advent: then what you’re waiting for

Thanks guys for all the feedback. I’m pleased to see a steady increase of interest from you guys.

@ Natsu: your build has been registered.

Phloww.1048:

Maybe I’ll just make a new post with the condition build (and its variants) and give it a new name so that it won’t be confused with the other one. Due to RL stuff and most of my free time in GW2 is doing SAB and dailies, I don’t think I can make it in time for this BotM, but perhaps next month I can.

@ Phloww: yes I totally agree that you should make a new thread to showcase your new condition build, even if it’s based on another build of yours. If you can’t participate this month, you can always try next month. I will make note of this.

@Natsu: Glad that you decide to join the contest. Yes, your build certainly has somewhat an advantage seeing how it’s quite established. But this just means we have some good competition.

You still need to get yourself a tester partner. Sorry, this is something I really want to push for the sake of communication between members in the guild.

Alissah.9281:

I have an idea for a reward.

The best build gets some rare dyes that ‘fit’ with their build. Other participating builds gt alot of masterwork ones and a few rare.

For example: the lockdown build will get purple and shades of grey, purple for mesmer and grey because its lockdown.

Support builds get bright dyes etc.

And if they already had he dye unlocked, they can give t away for free in guild chat/sell it :’D.

Or maybe we overload them with fine/masterwork items to salvage to luck.

OH, we can also make a build of the month video with the best one and all other ones that participated :o.

Cool idea, Alissah.
All dyes are grouped into 8 color types and I think we can go with a color theme like this:
PURPLE: signature color of the class, so the winners get this by default.

DPS type:
- Direct Damage: = RED
- Condition Damage: = GREEN

TANK type: = BROWN or ORANGE

SUPPORT type: = BLUE or YELLOW

CC/LOCKDOWN type: = GRAY

My only issue is that the gray group has the most expensive dyes because people love pure black and white. But I’m not overly concerned about this bias.

Anyway, we will discuss more about your ideas in-game.

Cufufalating.8479:

You’re right man, all ranger heals should be halved cause they heal pet too.

Thanks for your input.

Also, warrior heals should be doubled because they don’t have any pet, thus take double dmg.
/sarcasm

@ Kaamau: your build has been registered for the contest.

@ Overlord and Warlord: It would be great if someone can make a website for the guild. Then I can organize the event, posting information and results, on our own guild website forum. That would be very very much appreciated.

Just want to clarify, a person can only have 1 vote for each build.

Overlord’s idea to add a cost per vote is not easily implemented on the forum since I have no way to tell if person has paid or not, leading to I need to check in-game thus the whole process will be slowed down significantly. In short, we simply don’t have the tools and or account team to handle it promptly. x(
Also it will discourage people from voting and right now we need as many votes as possible.

As for the issue about hiding our ‘secret weapon’ builds from the public, I don’t think it’s necessary.
The idea is to promote build diversity, and help us mesmers to deal with the ever-changing meta, so every month there will be people thinking out of the box and come up with new builds.
Also I want to make this event transparent as much as I can. We are not aiming to hide anything here and I trust Anet will do the right thing when it comes to class balance.

Just a comment on the sigils: you have good power stat (>3k attack) and high crit chance, use sigil of air or even better sigil of fire for quick burst of dmg. Sigil of earth is supposed to work with condition spec build only.

Actually I might give some comments on the weapon choice as well.
Scepter is a bit out of place for this build, staff is a much better choice since you can stack tons of conditions on enemies then let iWarlock hit like a truck.

I would highly suggest to go with Sword + Torch / Staff.
Here’s the link to my modification: http://intothemists.com/calc/?build=VN;4VPV11y63V-71;9;4JJT;048-39-49B;45NW4;2t_MTt_MTo-FvNJP7;2V1-60B1G2LZR42oVJV2kX

Pyroatheist.9031:

I’m working on obtaining a full set to work into my immoral build. I’ve got a few ideas on traits, but ultimately I’ll need to just muck with it a bit once I get all the gear…which will take a while considering it only comes from CoE.

An immoral condition tank build? That sounds quite… unique. =P

I have same idea posted in this thread

@Kaamau: Hi Kaamau, do you have a tester partner? I’m sure you’re in the guild already so you shouldn’t have any problem finding a tester to pair up with.
Note: your build is definitely original.

Hi guys I have updated more sections, namely Application Window and Eligibility in EVENT STRUCTURE, REWARDS, FAQs, and SCOREBOARD

Based on Fay and Chaos’ replies, the ORB now has 2 confirmed members. Only 1 more then we’re good to go.

Please note that the information I have provided at the top of this thread is subjected to change, especially the FAQs and SCOREBOARD sections. So please follow this thread closely and have a look out for changes. I know the whole thing is a lot of reading -_-.

@ Chaos: I definitely thought about Osicat but as far as I know, he’s not in the guild and I wonder why.

The reason why people need to be in the guild (whether as participants or crowd) is that it makes my housekeeping job easier to manage.

I have a full and always updated list of people in the guild (just open the guild menu), but I don’t have a full list of this forum goers. So Chaos, you understand my point right?

Also, being a board member, one needs to be a regular forum goer and poster and willing to spend time going through a lot of build threads (in addition to having a good knowledge of the profession, this part I’m sure we’re all clear). You and Pyro certainly post on forum every day. Fay, I actually don’t see her posting much on forum but we talked in-game recently and she’s ready to take up the position.

@ skcamow & Warlord of Chaos: hi guys, just want you to know your dedication is much appreciated. As you can see I’m still waiting on Pyro’s response as there is 1 open position left. I suggest we wait for a couple of days before we roll this thing out officially. At the moment, it’s either Pyro or skcamow, Warlord you can be on the Board next time, I’ve already put your name down for the October contest, hope you don’t mind

@ Sensotix: I have registered your build on the scoreboard, as far as I’m concerned, it’s an original build that you’ve come up with. However, you still need to seek approval from ORB members, namely Chaos and Fay at the moment, get them post in your build thread. And yes, we’re still looking for a third member.

Hi OP,
It’s definitely not you and there is indeed a large jump in difficulty in Orr maps compared to other areas.

I assume you solo roam atm.
Since you have trouble with survivability, and your gear is still not optimal for a DPS build like shatter (you need to be at least in full exotics), I suggest you go with a more tanky setup with good condition removal or something with a bit of CC to keep mob away from you or give you chance to disengage. Alternatively, you can try a different build altogether, anything using Prismatic Understanding is really tanky.

Here’s a shatter variation you can try: (0/20/0/20/30) (link: http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fgAQNAsdWlwzKqHVzqGb9IyJFM3yh6B4ZdfXJF42FC-e)

Anyway, browse the forum to look for more builds.
Hope it helps.

Hi guys, just updated some more sections, please take your time reading through. I know it’s a lot to take in. Any question/suggestion/feedback is most welcome.
Also,

@ Pyro, Fay, skcamow, Warlord of Chaos: can you let me know you’re interested in the positions I’m nominating you for? (either post here or hit me in-game).

I know the position will get you a little bit involved on both forum and in-game for the contest, so I’d really appreciate your dedication if you decide to take the position.

@ Chaos: as I’m aware of your situation (my sincere condolences) and that it is unlikely that you are able to take part in this. So if you read this post and interested, please let me know.

Ok guys, other sections I will update later but probably not now since I’m at work.
Thanks for your patience

themenaceofseventhdimension.2075:

What kinds of builds you gonna contest? i mean, you can’t compare a WvW solo to WvW group build, also you can’t compare a WvW build to a PVE build, and you can’t compare a PvE build to a PVP build. So i hope you guyz have a plan for this or somthing I don’t know.

Menace, each build will be judged based on its intended purpose expressed by the originator. So in reality, the builds won’t necessarily compete against each other (except for the scores part) but needs to prove that it’s working as intended.

For example, if the build is designed as a PvE dps build. It is expected it will go through tests that are relevant in PvE context and involving DPS check.

Natsu Dragneel.1625:

Just curious, do you want people to submit their builds in this thread or somewhere else?

Also, is there any limit in the time of creation for the build, for example, does the build have to be a new creation within the last week or so, or can the build have been created several months ago and be submitted?

1/ Yes, I would prefer people submit their build in this thread (just the link to the build thread, not the whole build). It makes my job easier to manage
2/ This is something bugging me for a while now. There are some good old well-established builds that if entering the contest might just blow any new build out of the water. However, I have trouble deciding how to go forward with a ruleset that won’t prove to be too restricting. Can you come up with any idea?
I think builds that came out within the last month should be a fair rule. Whats your thought?

BUILD REGISTRATION INFO

———————————————————————————————————
Sensotix Bountiful Interruption TPvP/WvW Build (originality approved)

Build name: Sensotix Bountiful Interruption TPvP/WvW Build
Originator name: Sensotix
Tester partner name: Zen Duplicity
Link to build thread: https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/forum/professions/mesmer/Build-Bountiful-Interruption-TPvP/first#post2770843

———————————————————————————————————
Kaamau Evasive Signets WvW Build (originality approved)

Build name: Evasive Signets WvW Build
Originator name: Kaamau
Tester partner name: Narsil
Link to build thread: https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/forum/professions/mesmer/Mesmer-Build-Evasive-Signets/first#post2777143
Inspiration: Phloww’s Rings On my Finger’s

———————————————————————————————————
Natsu Blackwater Build (originality approved)

Build name: The Blackwater Mesmer Build
Originator name: Natsu Dragneel
Tester partner name: Arkedi.5934
Link to build thread: https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/forum/professions/mesmer/Build-The-Blackwater-Mesmer-Condition-WvW/first

———————————————————————————————————
Skcamow Chillruption Condition Build (originality approved) (withdrawn from contest)

Build name: Skcamow Chillruption Condition Build
Originator name: skcamow
Tester partner name: Deathcon.5903
Link to build thread: https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/forum/professions/mesmer/Build-ChillRuption/first#post2374546

FAQs

Q: Why the need to pair up with a tester? If I come up with a build and also have Tester rank in the guild, can I just do everything by myself?
A: You must always have a tester partner in any case. The reasons are: testers will provide the originators with extra time and resources (gear, money, testing experience, etc.), something the originator can lack, and more importantly, they will provide a second perspective when it comes to evaluate the build. Overall, as two minds working together instead of one, the team is better at identifying issues with the build and can come up with better ideas on how to improve and refine the build during the contest. In addition, this setup will promote community growth by providing opportunities for guild members to work and play together towards a common goal.

Q: (from Natsu Dragneel) Is there any limit in the time of creation for the build, for example, does the build have to be a new creation within the last week or so, or can the build have been created several months ago and be submitted?
A: Only builds posted after 25/06 patch are eligible for this month contest. Please check the Eligibility section in EVENT STRUCTURE which I have updated.

Q: How do I change my vote in Stage 1? Do I make another post or just edit the existing post?
A: If you could pretty please post the vote again instead of editing your existing post, that would save me a lot of headache (backtracking is not easy). Thanks and cheers.

Q: If a build is not approved by the ORB, can it still pass Stage 1 and go to Stage 2? Also, what if the final score at Stage 1 is something like +10/-10, in other words, positive pts = negative pts?
A: Without approval from the ORB, as long as the build has more upvotes than downvotes, the build still comes through to Stage 2. However, you will still need to have your finalized version of the build checked against its original version (when first submitted) by the ORB so that they agree upon it’s the same build. In the extreme case of a build having net 0 pts (something like +10/-10), the build will be looked at on a case-by-case basis and I will discuss with the ORB in private whether the build should be allowed to proceed to Stage 2 or not.

Suggestions/Feedback

-reserved for later editing-

REWARDS

Ok, this is the most exciting section I suppose.

Given limited funding comes only from me at the moment, I can only offer the winning team, both the originator and the tester partner, each will receive:

a gem store item valued from minimum 600 gems to maximum 1000 gems

Of course if there are other philanthropists want to up the rewards, then feel free to discuss with me either here in this thread or in-game. However, I personally feel that the reward should be kept at a healthy level of in-game value so that:
- It’s not too low, still providing enough incentive for participants to try their best to win.
- But it’s not too high either, so it won’t distract the participants from the true spirit of the contest: to prove your build and contribute to the community by sharing your knowledge. It’s not about personal profit when you decide to participate in the contest, please keep that in mind.

600-1000 gems are about 40-ish gold, equivalent to 2 days of intensive farming, tops. So you have other ways to get this gold than entering BotM Contest if you so desire.

Currently, the exact reward has not been decided. I originally went with “Permanent Super Explosive Finisher” but by the end of this month, this item might just go out of fashion, or you guys might already have them.

So I think it’s best that we agree upon a value range (like my suggested 600-1000 gems /each person) and wait until the end of the contest and see what Anet has in store for us by then with the next monthly patch.

A couple of things about the reward system:

- Since this is the first time we run this event, we need to stick with something simple and straightforward, something that we can easily implement, and if we want to, we can develop further in the future. Therefore, there will be only reward in the form of BotM Award for the winning team.

- We might consider other types of rewards in the future (something like Crowd Favourite, build with highest score based on upvotes only)

- The reward needs to be gem store item so that I can buy in an instant, no farming, no RNG loot, no hassle. (I’m sure you as winners don’t want to wait for another week, month, or year after the contest ends)

- The reward will be sent to you by myself through the gifting system as soon as the final results come through. I will post a screenshot of the in-game completed transaction window to prove that the reward has been delivered. I will follow up with the winners to ensure they receive it. However, for whatever reasons that you don’t receive the reward, I will not be held liable in anyway. If that happens, you should contact Anet support team to resolve the issue.

- Winners are expected (but not required) to showcase their reward as a testament to their excellence and a monthlong of hard work; maybe a speech is in order. Anyway, I would love to have some sort of guild gathering after the contest when everyone can meet up in-game and congratulate on our “champions”.